FIFA 15 - Xbox One

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Summary:

In FIFA 15, it doesn't matter whether you call it soccer or football, you'll call this version of it incredible. For the first time ever, players have memories and will adjust their tactics and show emotion based on what's happening in the match. Playing surfaces wear down as the match progresses, with boot marks, slide tackles, and debris visible on the pitch. Improved commentary will highlight unique fan reactions, while chants and behaviours will be relevant to country or even your club. If you love soccer, you'll love playing FIFA 15.

8.0

The game of soccer is pure energy mixed in with the skill and prowess of longtime professionals. Translating a game that can be at times hard to follow is no easy task. Not only do the game makers have to make the experience enjoyable and easy to follow but they also have to make it something that people will want to do over, and over, and over again. Professional soccer is one of the most popular sports in the entire world so it is only right that it gets its own masterpiece of a video game: FIFA 15. The newest iteration of FIFA presents players with the most complete soccer experience that you can enjoy without lacing up your own cleats and hopping on to the pitch.

Graphics & Presentation

Playing a professional sports game has to also emulate the feel of watching a game as well. You want to be in the zone and as surprised by what happens next as any audience may be. That is why it is so important that the presentation for FIFA has been perfected. Before each match you will see a birds eye view of the stadium you will be playing at and intermingled with that footage you will also see other segments of the life like, fully realized, stadiums. Once the match starts you will be treated to broadcast level camera angles that show off every layer of detail that our next-gen consoles can show off. From the hair on your players head to the kicking up of turf, or grass, the details are just too good. The fields get worn down as the game progresses and your players get progressively dirtier. You can set down your controller and just soak it in for a moment: this video game looks exactly like a broadcast match.

Sound & Commentary

You can't really play a sports game without noticing how good, or bad, the commentary is. Some older titles have been rendered borderline unplayable thanks to the way that commentary lines tend to repeat themselves and become more and more disenfranchised from what is actually happening on screen. That's not the case here. For commentary you will have Martin Tyler and Alan Smith. They'll give player line ups and moment to moment match updates. The commentators sound so fluid and their discussions are so relevant that you'll wonder if they aren't actually watching the game somewhere. Outside of the commentary players will enjoy another great FIFA soundtrack mixed in with all of the authenticity of match play in a giant stadium. From the groans and cheers of the crowd to the whistles of the referees, the sound is immersive.

Gameplay

So here we are at the most important section of a sport video game review. The gameplay. In order to enjoy these sorts of sporting simulations you have to be able to rely on the controls to properly react to what you want them to do. FIFA does not disappoint here. Fans of FIFA 14 will realize quickly that the controls are very similar to what they are used to. Players still kick and dribble the way they always have. One of the biggest differences in the actual gameplay is the fact that players actually stop and turn realistically. You won't have infinite momentum and giant wheeling turns anymore. This should please a lot of players who relied on specific tactics to set themselves up for goals. Outside of these sharper controls you can also employ a few new tactics during gameplay: you can crowd the keeper during corner kicks, push other players around during goal kicks, and even employ the parking bus tactic during the beginning of the match.

Modes & Features

FIFA 15 is prettier and more competent on the pitch than it is outside of it. For all of the polish and enjoyment you'll see in the game there is precious little to do extra outside of it. Game modes are restricted to Career Mode and various exhibition options. There are some added little quirks while playing in your career: You can watch Weekly Highlights, Match Day Live, and other little perks.

In Closing

FIFA 15 is a terrific game for just about anyone who enjoys sporting simulations. The game plays realistically and looks gorgeous above all. While there isn't a plethora of game modes the ones that DO exist are more than enjoyable.